A Farewell to Arch

On a personal note, I mark the untimely passing of the irrepressible beret-wearing Archie McLaren, founder of the Central Coast Wine Classic.

Archie, 75, who hosted the KEYT-TV show, Wine Country, for two years, had been battling pancreatic cancer at his rainbow-colored home in Avila Beach, where I last saw him before Christmas, when I was under mandatory evacuation from the Thomas Fire.

The affable philanthropist organized his 32nd and last classic in Santa Barbara last year, raising several million dollars for 130 local charities.

A tremendous character who will be much missed.